Thousands are infected with 'American Idol' fever

"American Idol" fever is alive and well in Salt Lake City.

A mere nine 1/2 weeks after Murray's David Archuleta finished second in Fox's top-rated talent show, thousands hopeful of following in his footsteps — or beyond — lined up at EnergySolutions Arena in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

"I'm here because I think I'm the next American Idol. Why else would I be here?" said 16-year-old Jasmine Welch of Salt Lake City. She endured a bit of mocking from her friends for her bravado, but they showed up with her at 12:30 a.m. to get places at the front of the line.

And, as she pointed out, "You've got to have confidence or you're not going to get very far."

The hopefuls who turned out Sunday morning were taking only the first step in what they hope will be a very long journey. They received tickets and wristbands, ensuring them a spot when the auditions begin Tuesday.

And that ensures them of about 10 seconds to sing for an "Idol" staffer, who will make a snap decision about whether the singers will get any more chances. Judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul won't be in town until call-backs sometime in September. The ninth season of "American Idol" premieres in January and this year's finalists will be chosen in February.

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